Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [58]
wear low-heeled, nonslip shoes. A jacket, sweater, or sweatshirt is recommended for protection from the cave's 53°F (12°C) temperature. If you have breathing, heart, or walking problems or are claustrophobic, consult with a ranger before taking a tour. The cave's delicate formations are easily broken or discolored by skin oils, so please don't touch them. Smoking, food, and drink are prohibited in the cave.
Useful Publications. The National Park Service publishes a variety of informational handouts on topics such as park history, hiking, camping, geology, wildlife, bird life, prairie grasses and ecosystems, and environmental concerns. In addition, the park produces Passages, a free visitor newspaper that is available at the visitor center.
IF YOU HAVE ONLY 1 DAY
Wind Cave National Park has more than 44 square miles of forest, grasslands, and quiet canyons. Visitors can appreciate most of the highlights in a day or less. You'll have time for a cave tour and a drive through the park to view the bison and elk. If you have time, get out on one of the park's hiking trails.
ORGANIZED CAVE TOURS
The park offers five different cave tours during the summer season (total of 30 tours per day) and one tour the remainder of the year. Adventurous cavers should consider the two tours that are limited to 10 people each; these will definitely take them away from the crowds.
The Garden of Eden Tour. Entering and leaving Wind Cave by an elevator, this 1-hour tour takes participants past representative cave features. It's the park's least strenuous tour, climbing 150 stairs.
Natural Entrance Tour. Beginning at the walk-in entrance to the cave and leaving by elevator, this moderately strenuous 75-minute tour has 300 stairs (most of them are down) and leads visitors through the middle of the cave, with an abundance of "box work"—thin blades of calcite that project from the cave's walls and ceiling in a honeycomb pattern.
Fairgrounds Tour. This includes some of the larger rooms found in the developed area of the cave. Participants view many cave formations, including box work. They enter and exit by elevator. This moderately strenuous excursion has 450 stairs and lasts 90 minutes.
Candlelight Tour. This is one of the most popular tours, especially for children 8 and over. Trekking through a less-developed, unlighted section of the cave, tour participants each carry a candle bucket and experience the cave by candlelight. Shoes with nonslip soles are required; no sandals are allowed. This tour is limited to 10 people (minimum age is 8). The strenuous tour covers 1 mile of rugged trail and lasts 2 hours. Reservations (☎ 605/745-4600), available no more than 1 month before the tour, are strongly advised.
Wild Cave Tour. You can also explore Wind Cave away from the established trails. On this 4-hour adventure, visitors are introduced to basic safe caving practices. You need to wear old clothes and gloves because you'll spend much of the tour crawling. Long pants, long-sleeve shirts, and sturdy, lace-up boots or shoes with nonslip soles are a must. The park provides hard hats, lights, and kneepads. Do not bring jewelry, watches, or other valuables. This tour is limited to 10 people, and the minimum age is 16. (Signed consent forms from a parent or guardian are required for 16- and 17-year-olds.) Reservations (☎ 605/745-4600), which are available 1 month before the tour, are required.
Tours for People with Disabilities. The visitor center and the cave are accessible to people with limited mobility. Call ahead (☎ 605/745-4600) to make arrangements or inquire about a special tour at the information desk. Some areas of the cave are accessible to wheelchairs. Fees are charged for special services.
EXPLORING THE PARK BY CAR
Wind Cave National Park is not just about a cave. The rolling prairies of western South Dakota run smack into the ponderosa pine forests of the Black Hills in the park, and its roadways provide access to some of the best wildlife